The Hidden Threat of Death Pipes

Kathe Sudano, Cohort 3

On Saturday, March 2^nd, 2024, about a dozen of us volunteers signed up to assist Tucson Audubon’s Conservation Project Manager, Olya Weekly, to cap open vertical pipes in Catalina Regional Park.  Most of us had no idea the dangers these innocuous structures pose to birds and other wildlife.  Commonly referred to as Death Pipes, small creatures can become trapped inside them when seeking a place to nest, hibernate or roost.  Unable to climb the smooth surface of the pipe or spread their wings, birds eventually die a slow death.

Cavity nesting birds are most likely victims, but lizards, snakes, small mammals, and insects fall victim to these pipes.  As birders, we often venture into wilderness areas making us valuable allies in locating and reporting the pipes.  Tucson Audubon asks that you please report open vertical pipes through their website using the form at tucsonaudubon.org/deathpipes. We ask for a few details about the pipe’s location and dimensions and a photo if possible. We also kindly ask that you temporarily cap the pipe with readily available objects until we can arrive to permanently address the issue.

Several methods exist to cap open pipes that serve no obvious function. Temporarily, you can place a large rock on top of the pipe or stuff trash, vegetation, or rocks inside. For those addressing pipes on their own property and seeking a more permanent solution, options include using wire mesh with a clamp, a cement cap, or complete removal of the pipe. The possibilities are endless, but ensure the cap is secure and not easily movable by wind or animals.  Most of this info was copied from a blog by Olga Weekly who works for Tucson Audubon.  While they are currently wrapping up capping days and will resume in the fall, please report any pipes you encounter on their website here: https://tucsonaudubon.org/deathpipes/. Remember open pipes are death traps for birds!